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[FozzyD]

I'm probably an advanced beginner or maybe low intermediate. I'm interested in a longboard for the small, weak summertime surf on the east coast of the U.S. I really want to maximize wave count and improve positioning myself to catch more green waves. I was looking at a 9'0" x 22 3/4 x 3 1/8 epoxy longboard with 72 liters of volume. The shop I've been talking to can't get that board but can get the same model in an 8'6" x 22 1/2 x 3 1/8 with 67 liters of volume. I'm 5'7" and weigh 150 pounds. 48 year old male. My question: how much will I notice the difference between these two boards? Will the glide and wave count be noticeably higher on small, rolling stuff with the 9'0" or should I be able to catch everything I'd catch on it with the 8'6"? Thanks!

[dtc]

At your size I dont think it will make much difference. The wave count wont be different, that is more up to you/if the wave is too small for the 8'6 then its going to be very small indeed.

Waikikichan is a smaller stature longboarder and might be able to chime in with his thoughts

[waikikikichan]

1) Can you let us know what make and model 9'0" and 8'6" board you are talking about.

2) What size, brand and model is your current go to board ?

[FozzyD]

Thank you both, It's the Torq TET Longboard I'm looking at in 8'6" and 9'0". I don't really have a current go to board. I live in the mountains and don't surf that often, only when I can drive a few hours to the coast. A guy here recently gave me a PU funshape that is 7'4" x 21 1/2 x 2 5/8. I took it over there recently and it just felt like I couldn't get into the weak, knee high rollers and, when I did, the rides were short. That probably has as much to do with my ability as my board, but I thought I would like something bigger and thicker in epoxy with better glide to pick up all that small stuff. Now I'm just not sure if the 8'6" this guy has in stock will get me there or if I should look elsewhere for a 9'0". Hope that helps. Look forward to your thoughts, Waikikichan!

[waikikikichan]

If the dealer can't get the Torq 9'0", they should be able to get the NSP Elements 9'0". That one is plenty tough and floaty and should be comparable in price.

How good a swimmer are you ? If you have a bad paddle, then you need to go with the bigger choice of the two.

[FozzyD]

I’m in good shape and a pretty good swimmer. I swim for exercise here at home 2 or 3 times a week. There’s another shop a bit further away that has the nsp 9’0 in stock, so I could do that. Just a bit more inconvenient, but not a huge deal. The NSP is in their protech line, not their elements line, but I gather that would still be fine.